Tom Heaton admits he is “very disappointed” his move to Watford has fallen through but is confident he will find a new club shortly.

Heaton was out of contract after rejecting a new deal at Cardiff City because he wanted to secure regular first team football.

Watford agreed a deal with the 26-year-old despite interest from a number of other Championship clubs and the player had passed his medical.

However, the deal could not be concluded until the takeover was complete, which took place last Friday.

Heaton expected the deal to be concluded this week but the new regime decided they did not want to sign the player.

Speaking exclusively to the Watford Observer this afternoon, Heaton said: “It was a bit of a nightmare. I had passed the medical and everything had been agreed but then it was stopped at the final hurdle.

“The previous owners couldn’t complete the deal due to the takeover which is understandable.

“But I am very disappointed not to be going there after thinking it was done and dusted.

“Sean Dyche and Alec Chamberlain were brilliant but unfortunately the circumstances changed and I will just have to deal with it.

“It is disappointing not to be going there but these things happen and I will move on.

“There are other clubs interested so I’m sure something else will come up.”

Heaton spent five years at Old Trafford as a professional but did not make a competitive appearance for the Red Devils; spending most of his time out on loan, with spells at Swindon Town, Belgian side Royal Antwerp, Cardiff, Queens Park Rangers, Rochdale and Wycombe Wanderers.

He returned to Cardiff to sign a permanent deal in June 2010 and was often first choice goalkeeper during his first season at the club.

However, the Bluebirds were blessed to have two very good goalkeepers and when Malky Mackay arrived last summer, he was keen to have a settled number one and David Marshall just edged ahead of Heaton during pre-season.

Heaton did play in the cup competitions though and was instrumental in Cardiff reaching the Carling Cup final, which they lost to Liverpool on penalties.